AJ Magamura (he/him) is a 4th year business student and marketing major. He is a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team and a student content creator. A big sports fan at heart, he can be found at the athletics complex either playing/training or cheering on his fellow athletes.

As a student, exam season can be intense, and long study sessions may leave you feeling drained. However, incorporating short, effective breaks into your workflow can boost focus, improve retention, and enhance your overall productivity. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, here are some fun and refreshing study break ideas to make the most of your downtime.

1. Move Your Body

Sitting for long periods can lead to being fatigued and less concentrated. One of the best ways to re-energize yourself is by incorporating movement into your break. Try standing up and doing a few stretches, focusing on your neck, shoulders, and back to relieve tension. If you’ve been stuck in one place for too long, step outside for a brisk walk to breathe in some fresh air and reset your mind. For a more fun and engaging break, put on your favourite song, and if you’d like to take it a step further, have an impromptu dance session. Moving around not only improves circulation, but also releases hormones, which boost your motivation to study again.

 

2. Get Creative 

If you need a break from all your heavy memorization, engaging in a creative activity can be a great way to reset your brain. Grab a notebook and start doodling freely—there’s no need to create a masterpiece; the goal is simply to let your mind wander. Alternatively, write a short journal entry or a mini story based on a random prompt to stimulate your imagination. If you play an instrument, take a few minutes to strum your guitar. These short bursts of creativity can help you think more clearly and solve problems better when you get back to learning.

3. Engage Your Mind in a Different Way 

Sometimes, the best way to rest your brain isn’t by switching it off completely, but by engaging it differently. Try solving a quick puzzle, such as a Sudoku, a crossword, or take on the Wordle of the day if you haven’t yet. If you enjoy reading, pick up a non-academic book and immerse yourself in a few pages to give your brain a break from textbooks. Another great way to refresh is by listening to an interesting podcast or a short TED Talk—this keeps your mind engaged while offering a new perspective on a topic unrelated to your studies. A mental shift like this can help you return to your work with a fresh perspective.    

4. Control What You Can, Let Go of What You Can’t 

We cannot control the external aspects of our exam season, but we can control a lot of the internal things, like how we prepare, our confidence, and how determined we are to succeed. Consistency in our efforts is key – making sure that the best version of ourselves shows up every day and making an effort to truly learn and apply our knowledge. This brings success, even with the challenges along the way.